Snagging issues preventing opening of new Sherwood Library to be fixed 'in 3 weeks'

The newly constructed Sherwood Library, seen in the sun from the middle of Mansfield Road next to a large, plush green tree
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/Nottingham Post)


The "much-delayed" Sherwood Library is expected to resolve its snagging issues within the next three weeks, according to a senior Nottingham councillor. The initial contract with Hockley Developments was signed in 2020 to demolish the old library on Spondon Street and construct a new one with additional commercial space and housing.

Nottingham City Council sold the site to the developer under the condition that a new library would be built at no capital cost to the council, and a 125-year lease would be granted at a nominal rent. The new facility has been completed, featuring commercial space currently occupied by Sainsbury's and residential units.

However, earlier this year, it became evident that there were problems when Dako Construction Ltd, the scheme's former contractor, went into administration. After appointing a new contractor, the library building was returned to the council at the end of 2023 for final fit-out, but more than 134 defects discovered have delayed the planned summer opening.

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These issues range from fire access hatch problems and fire safety sign-off to cracked windows, a malfunctioning watering system for the living wall, and a leak in the atrium. On August 19, a protest took place outside the library where families voiced their frustration and anger over the delays.

At a Full Council meeting on Monday (September 9), libraries campaigner Des Conway submitted a written question seeking an update. Cllr Sam Lux, executive member for carbon reduction, leisure and culture, expressed frustration over the delayed reopening of Sherwood Library.

She said: "I want to reiterate I'm very frustrated around being able to reopen Sherwood Library and I am aware Sherwood has for a long time now been without a library following its closure in 2020.

"Unfortunately due to several factors this project was much-delayed and of course more recently further due to a number of outstanding snags which have not been rectified by the developer.

"I can assure the citizen the council is exploring all avenues. On a more positive note the developer is now engaging and working with us to resolve the issues.

"A programme of works has now been agreed and there is ongoing correspondence checking in on progress to reduce the list of snags considerably. We hope these final works will be completed in the next three weeks and the final stage of the fit-out works can then take place."

This comes as the council proposes to close Basford, Bilborough, Radford-Lenton libraries and Aspley Library in an effort to save £1.5m in its libraries service over the next two years. The authority declared itself effectively bankrupt in November last year after it was unable to set a balanced budget, and commissioners have been overseeing improvements since February.

A public consultation finished on August 19. Cllr Lux said more than 5,300 people had responded to the consultation.

During the consultation and public meetings, some innovative solutions to avoid closures have been proposed, which could potentially maintain some library services within the buildings. These options are currently under review.

Cllr Lux said: "I can't make any promises but will do my best to protect those buildings." A final decision on the matter is anticipated later this year.